Care and Feeding of your Workingwoods Board
Although it's a paradox, the two biggest enemies of a cutting board are moisture and dryness. If the board soaks up too much moisture, it could swell and warp. If it gets too dried out, it could crack. You can prevent both situations from occurring by keeping the board lightly oiled, and drying it immediately after washing it. You should also never allow the board to soak in water.
Also keep in mind the oil finish not only protects the board from moisture and from drying out, but it helps prevent food-borne bacteria from penetrating the wood fibers.
Over time, and with repeated washings, your cutting board might lose some of its luster and smoothness. You can bring it back to brand-new shape quickly by lightly sanding it with 220 grit sandpaper, wiping it clean, then re-oiling it with mineral oil. Plus, you get the pleasure of feeling the wood in the cutting board respond to your touch as it is restored before your eyes.
Even scratches and knife
marks can be removed by sanding the board...it just takes a bit longer. For
a super-smooth finish, use 400 grit sandpaper (after using the 220 grit)
before oiling. I like to spread the mineral oil pretty thickly on both
sides, let it soak for 5 to 10 minutes, then wipe the board "dry" with paper
towels.
Unless you like deep scratches, I strongly recommend not using
serrated knives on your Workingwoods board (or any other wooden cutting
board you care about). Although deep scratches like those made by serrated
knives can be removed with sandpaper, I'm sure you have better things to do
with your time, so it's easiest to simply avoid the deep scratches in the
first place.